Continuing on the switchers, I still have some momentum going.

SW-8 handrails

I had a prior Worsley Works SW-8 model to match and used the same parts and wire as on that model (I describe the process and parts in more detail here).

There were a few challenges of course, but it went pretty smoothly all things considered. I’d done it before!

Sharp eyed readers will see I omitted one handrail at the back corner (leading up to the platform) that I will install after I glue the body together (soon!).

Lights

Then there is the matter of lights. I cut lights from AHM SW-1 shells, they are a good match for the engine and were among the options seen on actual SW-8 engines. I glued them on with canopy cement.

I used the same type of stack as in the original build as well. As noted there, the model as it comes has places for two stacks, but the body is in fact an SW-8 which only has one stack.

Painting

I used Tamiya spray paint. I chose a simple Bicentennial scheme, red hood, white cab, and blue frame. As seen below.

Of course I wanted to assemble it further and letter it, but you have to be patient and let the paint cure well.

I also have the drive to finish up, and that will be a project I get to soon.

More stacks

Then we have the two Super Scale engines. As they came to me the NW-2 stacks were rather oversized (probably oversized for S scale) and the SW-1 stack was comically underscale.

I was going to go big and make three of them on my lathe, but, after breaking a drill bit in the first attempt, I took a different tactic. The stack on the SW-1 is newly made, but the NW-2 stacks are the originals, but cut down shorter. I think I’ll go with this. If I change my mind, they are attached with screws.

I should mention that you can easily see the brass base under the stacks. That was missing on the stock models I’m rebuilding, but James Trout had made that detail for his model. It really helps the overall look. Oh, also, there was no air vent grille on the top of the SW-1 body. I did find a stand-in part that looks OK, it is actually a left-over radiator piece from the SW-8! I had a new, extra part from my original build and used it on the Bicentennial engine; this extra part was cut down for the SW-1. It’s a decent stand-in, but it’s only attached with canopy cement, if I ever find a good substitute for it I can replace it.

The handrails on the Super-Scale engines are not very realistic. I’m still puzzling my options on that, but do now have a supply of 22 gauge half-hard brass which is what I plan to work with on these engines. More on that soon.